Prugh defies late conditions at NZ Open

Second season professional, American Alex Prugh, overcame the difficult afternoon conditions at the Hills Golf Club to join early leaders and fellow countrymen, Todd Demsey and Josh Teater, in the lead at the end of day one of the New Zealand PGA Championship near Queenstown.

A cool southerly breeze gathered in strength during the afternoon and there were very few players able to get within striking distance of the early leaders. Prugh was very much the exception however with birdies at four of his last five holes to move quickly up from the middle of the pack.

Prugh is in his second season on the Nationwide Tour having finished 46th in his rookie season in 2008. His best finish was a 3rd at the Cox Classic and in 2009 he has made all three cuts in the events he has played.

Stephen Dartnall heads the Australians at 5 under his recent good form continuing with a morning round of 67 to share 4th position with Martin Piller and Seung-su (Steve) Han, who is in his rookie season on the Nationwide Tour after a collegiate career at the University of Las Vegas.

Conditions are expected to improve further over the next three days with temperatures expected to return to normality.

About the Author: Bruce Young

A multi-award winning golf journalist, Bruce's extensive knowledge of the game comes from several years caddying the tournament circuits of the world, marketing a successful golf course design company and as one of Australia's leading golf journalists and commentators.